Regulations & Enforcement

Land ownership patterns in southwest Alaska are a mix of Federal, State, Native corporation, and private lands. As such, there are a variety of regulations and enforcement agencies that you should be aware of if you are planning to visit this area. The links below are intended as a resource to help you familiarize yourself with some of these regulations and agencies.

This page is not intended as a complete resource nor a legal document. If you have questions about specific regulations or practices on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, you should contact Togiak Refuge staff.

General Visitor Orientation

Fishing / Hunting Regulations
Enforcement Agencies
Other Information

This is an outline of guidelines most commonly applicable to Togiak Refuge visitors, especially sport fishermen on unguided float trips. It is intended to be used as a general guideline only, and does not cover every regulation that may apply to you.

Fishing and Hunting Regulations

• For information on subsistence hunting and fishing, visit the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Subsistence Management homepage.
• Alaska Department of Fish & Game Sportfishing Regulations.
  Information within the "Bristol Bay" booklet applies to the Togiak Refuge rivers that flow into Bristol Bay.
  Information in the "A-Y-K" booklet applies to Kuskokwim Bay drainages.
  • Check for in-season sportfishing emergency orders which supersede printed regulations.
• ADF&G Hunting and Trapping Regulations and Emergency Orders.
  Togiak Refuge is within Game Management Units 17 and 18.
• ADF&G information on purchasing licenses and tags.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), including Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, has enforcement personnel and specific regulations.

• USFWS Region 7 (Alaska) Enforcement Homepage
• USFWS National Enforcement Homepage

Alaska Division of Wildlife Troopers officers enforce State of Alaska laws, including hunting and fishing regulations.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources regulates some camping practices such as length of stay in one campsite.

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation regulates procedures for dealing with human waste and other waste substances.

National Marine Fisheries Service enforces Federal regulations in the marine waters surrounding Togiak Refuge.

• Visit the NMFS Protected Resources webpage for information on responsible marine mammal viewing and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Alaska State Troopers coordinate all Search and Rescue efforts in the area.

We recommend you leave a trip plan with a friend or family member, as well as any air taxi or guide you are working with, in order to facilitate Search and Rescue efforts if necessary.

Permits for use of Native corporation lands may be obtained through the corporations. Be aware that permits are required for any use of Native corporation lands; these are not public lands. Permits do not give permission to access private Native allotments.

Other Information

Commercial Activities: It is illegal to perform commercial activities, such as guiding or operating an air taxi service, on Togiak Refuge without a special use permit. For more information, see the commercial permits section of our website.

Marine Mammal Parts Tagging: The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 requires that all marine mammal bony tissues be tagged by a representative of the U.S. government. Bony tissues of marine mammals include walrus tusks, marine mammal skulls, vertebrae, rib bones and other bony tissues. These regulations differ for Native Alaskans and non-Natives. Be sure to thoroughly understand the regulations that apply to you as an individual. For more information download a fact sheet. (pdf)

Staff at the Togiak Refuge are authorized to tag marine mammal parts. This tagging is free and is available at our office during regular office hours. We can also direct you to other authorized tagging personnel in your home community, where applicable.

Trespassing: Togiak National Wildlife Refuge lands are adjacent to many private lands, including Native Corporation lands and Native Allotments. Visitors must be aware of these lands and avoid trespassing. Signs will not always be present to indicate private lands. There are several indicators to help you identify private lands. For more information, see the land ownership section of our website.

Pilots: The operation of aircraft at altitudes and in flight paths resulting in the herding, harassment, hazing, or driving of wildlife is prohibited under provisions of the Federal Airborne Hunting Act, Marine Mammals Protection Act, and other Federal laws. While flying over Togiak Refuge, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that all aircraft, except for take off and landing, maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level (AGL). For more information, please contact the Togiak Refuge.

Pilots are asked to contact Togiak Refuge prior to visiting to learn about regulations and other relevant topics.

Visiting Cape Peirce: Cape Peirce, a seabird nesting and marine mammal haulout area on Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, is a special and sensitive environment, please contact Togiak Refuge. We recommend you contact the refuge office prior to visiting Cape Peirce. We can provide visitor's with information to assist in trip planning and to help ensure your visit is safe and follows regulations.

Last updated: October 14, 2008